Bestselling, award-winning author Elle McNicoll on being a writer and being autistic
She won the Waterstones Children’s Book Awards, was named one of the BBC’s 100 women and recently signed an eight-book deal with Pan Macmillon. Meet bestselling author Elle McNicoll, who is autistic.
Elle McNicoll, 33, is the bestselling author of nine books, one of which - A Kind of Spark - became an Emmy-nominated television series for the CBBC. She has won many book awards, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Awards and the Blue Peter Book Award, and was named one of the BBC’s 100 women. Elle recently signed an eight-book deal with Pan Macmillan. She is autistic, dyspraxic and writes characters who are also neurodivergent. Her books are recommended in schools, and form part of the UK’s national curriculum.
When did you decide that you were going to be a writer?
I’ve been writing since primary school and I think a quiet part of me knew then it would always be a part of my life. I assumed I’d have to self-publish eventually, due to the industry’s nervousness around neurodivergent voices. But I found a great editor when I was in my twenties and she really understood my manuscript. She’s still my editor now and I owe her so much!
You started out writing for children and YA, now you’re also writing for adults: what drew you towards writing for younger people, first?
Children’s books are definitely not a stepping stone to adult books, though that is something you hear a great deal. It was about the character. The age of the character dictates the novel and it’s really that simple. Addie was eleven so the book had to be middle grade. Raina is twenty-nine, so the novel had to be for adults.
What was childhood like for you?
Haha, next!
How did you find school?
Terrible. I got out with my imagination intact, thank God!
When did you discover that you are autistic and dyspraxic?
I was diagnosed at nine so it wasn’t really a discovery, but rather an intrusion. I didn’t know what it meant and it took me twenty years to be ready to talk about it properly.
How did you feel about it?
Complicated. I’m a very proud person (to my own detriment) and the images society held of autism weren’t flattering. I found that very painful.
How does neurodivergence impact on your creative process?
I think it shapes it. Sometimes that hyperfocus and drive can be incredible. I write quite quickly compared to neurotypical peers. I’m also not used to being considered perfect in any way, so I don’t chase perfection. It isn’t something I think I’m capable of so that takes away some of the pressure.
What challenges does it bring?
None in writing. But the networking part of the job, as well as the marketing, is very difficult as an autistic. I don’t enjoy having to promote myself or my book. It’s the biggest challenge, I’d say. I’m so lucky to have my readers because I find the promotional side of publishing a book quite circus-like.
What does a usual work/writing day look like for you?
I try to commit to a minimum of 1,000 words a day. Any more than that is a bonus. But I usually have events as well as writing, so that can break up my time a little bit. No two days look the same.
How do you spend your weekends?
Writing and editing.
You have won and been nominated for many prestigious prizes, how do you feel on hearing you’ve been nominated?
It’s lovely. I prefer the ones that are chosen by readers to the ones chosen by industry peers. The latter always gives in to neurotypical politics.
What are your thoughts on being in the public eye?
As an autistic, I’ve always felt overly perceived and on display. So it’s nice to be seen and known for my work, especially if it means something to people. I’ve always had a lot of negative attention so the last few years have been a nice change. I love my job. I’m very lucky to do it.
Congratulations on your eight-book deal with Pan MacMillan. How does it feel to have your writing career set up, like this, for some years?
It’s a privilege. I’m very grateful and very lucky.
What impact do you hope your books have on readers?
I hope my books take them away from the parts of the world they find hard and remind them of the parts that are worth living for.
Follow Elle McNicoll on Instagram: @ellemcnicollofficial / Buy her books: waterstones.com/author/elle-mcnicoll